Serving 596 students in grades 9-12, Polk County High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-79% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 596 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 70-79% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Polk County High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Columbus, NC, covering approximately 238.5 square miles, with typical drives to the school taking 15-20 minutes and an average distance of 9.4 miles to the zone's edge, reaching up to 13.2 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Polk County High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Polk County High School's student population of 596 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 23% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
596 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Polk County High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Polk County High School is 0.44, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#319 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)70-79%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
16%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
7%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
73%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
80-84%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
4%
3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polk County High School's ranking?
Polk County High School is ranked #319 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Polk County High School often compared to?
Polk County High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Chapel Hill High School, Polk County Early College by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Polk County High School?
The graduation rate of Polk County High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Polk County High School?
596 students attend Polk County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Polk County High School students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Polk County High School?
Polk County High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Polk County High School offer ?
Polk County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Polk County High School part of?
Polk County High School is part of Polk County Schools.
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